When Auburn Alliance Church dedicated its new building June 20, 1982, it's probably safe to say the congregation wasn't envisioning another dedication almost 26 years later.

But that just happened at 630 N. Seward Ave., where a new 13,986-square foot addition has been added to accommodate the church's growing number of people and programs. In the planning stages for nearly 10 years, the project took just 10 months to complete, along with 800 tons of blacktop (so far), 12,000-square feet of carpeting, $2,000 worth of light bulbs, the removal of 10,000 cubic yards of dirt, 48,750 bricks and 14 tons of roof shingles.

While much of the work was handled by “professionals,” church volunteers donated their talents and a huge number of hours to do some of the site work; all of the painting (except for the ceilings) and trim work; installation of audio/video equipment, wheelchair lift and bathroom fixtures, and the construction and installation of coat racks and storage cabinetry, bringing with them a large cost savings as well as a large sense of accomplishment.

The church held an open house last Saturday and invited the community to have a look at its new facilities, including a 500-seat sanctuary with new sound and video systems and baptistry; bathrooms, classrooms and nurseries; a larger lobby (Narthex) area to accommodate larger crowds before and after church services; new heating and air-conditioning systems, and even a “cry area” for parents to watch and hear services while calming fussy babies (or teenagers).

With such a large amount of space, one might think the addition could feel like just that, merely a large space, but many of the visitors commented that the choices of paint, carpet and furnishing colors really give the space a warm and welcoming feel.

I second that emotion, every time I walk through the door; I feel like I'm “home.”

Steady streams of visitors were treated to a tour, live music in the sanctuary provided by church members and refreshments. Tables were manned with representatives from the many programs and groups offered through the church including music ministries (adult and children's choirs, orchestra, worship team, teen praise band and special music), New Life 40+ Singles Ministry, Sunday School (available for ages 4-104), small groups, Alliance Women (a missions organization), men's prayer group, A String and a Prayer Quilting Ministry, Bible Quizzing, child care nurseries (birth-4) and Women of Faith (a national organization with a yearly conference).

The former sanctuary, which will be remodeled to become the new Fellowship Hall (eventually with an adjoining kitchen), was filled with the smell of freshly popped popcorn and buzzed with activities organized by the youth-oriented ministries including the extremely active and energetic youth groups, Junior Church (available during church services for ages 5 to 8) and Bible Quizzing.

Vacation Bible School director Kelly Grieco is especially excited about all of the newfound space. This year's VBS, with the theme of “Power Lab - Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power,” will be held Aug. 18 through 22 for children aged 4 through entering sixth grade.

“In the past, we never really were able to advertise VBS outside of the church because we just didn't have room for more than 80 to 85 kids,” Grieco said. “Now that we're so visible and have all this space, I'm excited to make this more of a community outreach event. Our church places a lot of emphasis on missions, and our own backyard is the perfect place to start.”

From humble beginnings in 1939 with church services under a tent at 35 Franklin St. to the large structure we see today on North Seward Ave., one thing has remained constant.

As Grieco stated, Auburn Alliance Church has always had a strong emphasis on missions. As part of a denomination called the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the church is committed to spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, both in our “backyard” and throughout the world.

In addition to VBS, the church hopes to host Christian concerts and conferences for the community to enjoy, as well as continuing its support of overseas missionaries through the Alliance's “Great Commission Fund.”

To learn more about Auburn Alliance Church and the Christian and Missionary Alliance, visit www.auburnalliance.com. The monthly church newsletter, weekly bulletin, upcoming calendar events and information about the pastors is listed. Online visitors are also able to listen to weekly sermons. Sunday School classes for all ages will now begin at 9 a.m., Sunday worship services will be held at 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wednesday night prayer services will be held at 7 p.m.

Wendy Bates is a member of the Auburn Alliance Church, has lived in Weedsport all her life and loves to write about her community